Pakistani minister meets SRMG CEO, discusses media collaboration, digital innovation opportunities

ISLAMABAD: The Saudi Research and Media Group, the largest integrated media house in the Middle East and North Africa, hosted Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar at its headquarters in Riyadh “to explore opportunities for media collaboration, content development and digital innovation,” the group said in a statement on Tuesday. 
The meeting took place as Tarar was in Riyadh last week to attend the Saudi Media Forum 2025 from Feb. 19-21, which brought together over 200 global media professionals, innovators and thought leaders.
“The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships and expanding content offerings to better serve audiences across both markets,” SRMG said in a statement after Tarar met the group’s CEO, Jomana R. Alrashid.

The two leaders discussed the “positive impact of SRMG’s Pakistan based platforms, including Independent Urdu and Urdu News, as well as the English-language publication Arab News Pakistan, in delivering high quality content that informs and connects.”
“By providing accurate, credible reporting and raising awareness of key social issues, these publications foster meaningful connections between people, promote cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen ties with audiences in Pakistan and beyond,” the statement added. 
While speaking at the Saudi Media Forum, Tarar had acknowledged SRMG’s “positive impact” in Pakistan.

“With regard to SRMG, we have Urdu News, we have Arab News and we have Independent Urdu, which are doing a great job,” he said during a panel discussion last Thursday. 
“And [this is] not only [as] digital platforms, but overall, they have a very positive impact on our society with regard to raising awareness on social issues, with regard to bringing news to the people.”
During the Riyadh visit, Tarar and his Saudi counterpart Salman Al-Dossary also announced a joint committee to co-produce songs, films and documentaries.
In recent years, Pakistani dramas and films, including TV classics like “Dhoop Kinare” and the highly acclaimed “Humsafar,” have been dubbed in Arabic and broadcast in Saudi Arabia. 
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close regional partners and economic and security allies. In October last year, the two countries signed 34 agreements worth $2.8 billion for investment projects in various sectors.